Come and make your own Bronze Age sword in this unique hands-on metalworking experience.
The sword you will create is based on the Ewart Park Leaf sword, a design from the Middle Bronze Age around 3,000 years ago. Bronze Age swords varied greatly in style, reflecting the remarkable skill of early metalworkers. The Ewart Park design is both elegant and practical, typically weighing around 750 grams, making it relatively light and well balanced for use.
During this one-day course you will learn the traditional process used to cast bronze tools and weapons. You will begin by creating a sand mould for your sword before pouring molten bronze to form the blade. Once the casting has cooled, the sword will be cleaned and refined using abrasives, followed by final polishing and fitting the handle. By the end of the day you will have created your own Bronze Age style sword to take home.
The course starts at 9:30am and finishes around 4:30pm, or once your sword is fully completed. Please do not arrive before 9:15am, as this allows time for the workshop to be prepared before the day begins.
The course takes place near Barnham on the A134 between Bury St Edmunds and Thetford. Arrive at Barnham crossroads and turn into the village of Barnham. Drive through the village towards Euston, and the gateway will be on the left-hand side approximately half a mile after leaving Barnham. You can also navigate using What3Words:
https://w3w.co/koala.hedgehog.suggested
Important: Anyone wishing to pour their own sword must wear long trousers and suitable work boots due to the nature of working with molten bronze.
Tea and coffee will be available, but please bring a packed lunch or snacks for the day if you wish.
These courses are kept small to allow for a focused experience and can accommodate a maximum of three attendees.
